Boundary Wire Repeaters for Stable Robotic Mower Signal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ground working systems face limitations in the maximum length of boundary wires due to signal strength requirements for reliable control of self-driving devices, especially in regions far from the base station, and must comply with legal regulations to avoid electromagnetic interference with adjacent systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a boundary wire system with repeater base stations that amplify and retransmit signals along the wire loop, allowing for extended lengths without compromising signal strength or causing interference, enabling faultless control of ground working devices across the entire operating region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the boundary wire is made longer to delimit larger operating regions, then the coverage area increases, but the signal strength becomes insufficient in regions far from the base station
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary wire system is segmented into multiple sections, each served by a separate base station. Instead of relying on a single base station to cover the entire large area, the system divides the operating region into smaller zones, with each base station responsible for its local section. This segmentation allows each base station to maintain sufficient signal strength over its shorter coverage distance while collectively covering a large total area.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional base stations act as intermediary elements between the original base station and distant regions. These intermediary base stations receive signals from the original base station via the boundary wire and retransmit them locally, amplifying the signal reach without requiring the original base station to transmit at high power over the entire distance.
2Reliability
If a very strong signal is transmitted to cover large regions, then the signal strength is sufficient, but electromagnetic interference with adjacent ground working systems occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmission task is segmented across multiple base stations, each transmitting at low power over short distances. This eliminates the need for any single base station to transmit strong signals that would cause electromagnetic interference, while collectively achieving wide coverage through the distributed network of low-power transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
Each base station provides high signal quality only in its local vicinity rather than attempting to provide weak signal quality over a vast area. This local quality approach ensures reliable control in each small zone without generating harmful electromagnetic radiation that would affect adjacent systems.
3Productivity
If multiple ground working devices are operated in an enclosed operating region, then productivity increases, but control reliability decreases in regions far from the base station
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple local control zones, each managed by a base station. This allows multiple ground working devices to operate simultaneously in different zones with reliable local control, rather than having all devices compete for weak signals from a single distant base station.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for theoretically unlimited wire loop lengths, ensuring reliable operation and synchronization of signals, thus enabling multiple self-driving devices to function effectively and independently within their designated areas without interference.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first base station, which is electrically connected to the boundary wire and generates a signal which is transmitted on the boundary wire
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic field of the wire signal induces in a reception coil of the ground working device a reception signal
Data Source
AI summary
A ground working system includes at least one self-driving ground working device having a drive, a control unit and a battery. An operating region is determined by a boundary wire, wherein the ground working device travels over a traveling path determined by the control unit in the operating region. Connected to the boundary wire is a first base station, which transmits a signal on the boundary wire. The electromagnetic field of the signal induces a reception signal in the reception coil of the ground working device. The reception signal is processed in the control unit. In order to make a stable signal available over the entire length of the boundary wire, it is provided that the boundary wire is electrically connected to a further base station configured as a repeater, which receives the signal transmitted by the first base station, processes it and passes it on.